The 2008 year has brought successes and challenges for local schools as well as rising uncertainty in our state and national economic outlook. Lawmakers and the governor continue to wrangle over multi-billion dollar cuts to education funding, causing local districts to plan for the worst possible budget scenarios. At the state level, we’ve strongly advocated for more flexibility in categorical funding and fewer mandates, so that maximum resources are directed to classroom instruction.

When school budgets are cut to the core, students suffer. During the last several months and weeks – as threats to education funding have increased to unimaginable proportions – our advocacy efforts have continued around the clock. We’re listening to you and your concerns; we’re communicating these concerns to lawmakers; and we remain committed to our shared goal of maximizing flexibility and ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed.

We recognize the stress on education lead­ers is tremendous, and we know 2009 will require re­sourceful­ness, creativity and strength like never before. For ACSA staff, our service to you is rewarding and never more important than in these tough times. Member satisfaction is our priority, and we take great pride in our ability to continue to provide high quality professional learning programs, strong governmental advocacy at the state and federal levels and a continual stream of up-to-date news and information through print and electronic resources.

In early January, when Gov. Schwarz­enegger unveils his 2009-10 budget plan, we anticipate it will secure California’s ranking at or near dead last in the nation in per-pupil funding. ACSA will continue to work through the Legislature, the courts, and the initiative process, to recover from these disastrous cuts and begin to move toward adequate funding and return our schools to once again be the envy of the nation.

As we forge ahead, we will keep you constantly informed and supported in your professional endeavors and make sure you continue to enjoy the extensive benefits of ACSA membership.

On behalf of ACSA, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your leadership in public education. I sincerely hope the holidays afford you an opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends and to recharge for the enormous challenges ahead for California’s public schools.